Page 16 of Testing the Kot'oll Officer

"Officer, I was barely over—"

"You were doing twice the limit," I cut in, my arms crossed. "In a school zone."

As I scan the spaceship and tap to input data for the ticket, I can't help but think about how Julie would handle this situation. She'd probably make some clever joke about crystal beings needing to slow down before they shatter.

A smile tugs at my lips, and the Zylaxian looks at me strangely.

"Is something amusing, Officer?"

I quickly compose myself. "No. Here's your citation. Drive safely."

Back in my vehicle, I try to focus on the task at hand. But memories of last night keep surfacing — her warmth, her scent, the way she fit so perfectly in my arms...

"Unit 247, respond to a multiple vehicle collision on Stellar Boulevard," dispatch crackles through my earbuds.

Finally, something to properly distract me.

"Unit 247 responding," I reply, grateful for the interruption of my wandering thoughts.

But even as I head to the scene, I wonder if Julie will use my number. Will she call? What should I even say?

Focus, Vatok. Lives could be at stake.

I need to get my head straight before someone gets hurt because I can't stop thinking about a certain human bartender with a mischievous smile and the softest skin I've ever felt. I'm a competent officer, nothing gets to distract me even if they are perfect for me and beautiful.

Definitely not.

Chapter 8

Julie

"Hello, Julie! You're here with a friend, huh?"

I nod as another volunteer, Aldriana, in the shelter comes over the counter and greets us. She is also a human. She is an older woman who has already retired and she is here a lot. I say, "Yes, he'll be joining me today."

The shelter is a sprawling facility that buzzes with energy. It’s meticulously organized, with all kinds of animals enjoying their stay. I want to pat every single one of them. There are luminescent jelly-like beings that squish and bounce in their enclosures, while fluffy, furry things with extra eyes peer out from their corners, curious at me.

As I lead Vatok deeper into the shelter, his four arms shift from side to side, as if he’s unsure where best to put them. He scansthe room, taking in the sight of wiggly tails and perky antennae, reminding me of a wary officer assessing a suspicious scene ready to unfold.

"Don't you like it here?" I'm practically bouncing on my heels, unable to contain my excitement. It’s a haven for animals. “You’re going to love it, I promise!”

Vatok lowers his head slightly, tilting it to one side as he observes a massive, fluffy creature. "I can see you love this place."

"I do, I'm here every week. I wish I could be here more, but you know the nature of my job."

He muses. "I suppose so."

We are finally at the counter. I shake hands with Aldriana. "I'm so happy to see you here. Anyone else in this time slot?"

She shakes her head. "it's just you and me, and now, with your friend too."

I elbow Vatok, who fixes his hair, but probably was trying to fix his cap, which he doesn't have. "Then I'm glad he's here. If we finish everything quickly, there'll be more time to play."

"Nice!"

Vatok grins, looking handsome as always. "Nice to meet you, I'm Vatok and I'm glad to be here."

I pat Vatok's arm. "Just tell him what to do. I think he'll be helpful with moving things around, something like that."

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